Atty. Michael D. Traister

Atty. Michael D. Traister

Michael is a partner who maintains a wide-ranging litigation and trial practice in both state and federal court. Since joining Murray Plumb & Murray in 1995, he has honed his litigation and dispute resolution expertise, fueled by a love of building and making arguments.

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Profile Summary

About Michael D. Traister at a glance

Michael D. Traister is a zoning and construction attorney based in Portland, Maine, practicing at Murray Plumb & Murray. Educated at University of Maine School of Law (J.D., 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Portland, ME and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Michael is a partner who maintains a wide-ranging litigation and trial practice in both state and federal court
  • Since joining Murray Plumb & Murray in 1995, he has honed his litigation and dispute resolution expertise, fueled by a love of building and making arguments
  • Michael’s practice has a particular focus on business, construction, real estate and probate matters
  • He also has extensive experience in the land use and zoning areas
  • has handled numerous boundary, easement, zoning, and development disputes
  • and has successfully tried significant eminent domain cases to verdict
  • He has served as chair of the New Lawyers Section of the Maine Bar Association and is currently chair of the Town of North Yarmouth Zoning Board of Appeals and moderator of the Town of North Yarmouth Annual Town Meeting
  • Selected by his peers for inclusion in both the Best Lawyers in America and New England Super Lawyers in the specialties of Business Litigation, Construction Law and Land Use and Zoning Law, Michael is also AV rated by Martindale Hubbell
  • Originally from Auburn, Maine, Michael is an avid skier and fisherman
  • Today, he resides with his family in North Yarmouth

Practice Areas Explained

Michael D. Traister's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael D. Traister handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Land Use & Zoning

Michael D. Traister is one of 40,226 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in Maine →

Construction Law

Michael D. Traister is one of 40,689 construction attorneys indexed nationally. Browse construction attorneys in Maine →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Maine

Practicing law in Maine. Legal matters in Maine are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Portland are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Maine state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Maine brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Maine courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Maine attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Portland or all attorneys in Maine.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael D. Traister

Where is Michael D. Traister's law office located?
Michael D. Traister's law practice is located in Portland, Maine. The firm is Murray Plumb & Murray. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael D. Traister handle?
Michael D. Traister focuses on zoning, construction. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Maine.
Where did Michael D. Traister go to law school?
Michael D. Traister earned their education at (J.D., 1995).
How can I contact Michael D. Traister for a consultation?
You can contact Michael D. Traister directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael D. Traister received?
Michael D. Traister's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration; Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law.

Education

J.D.
University of Maine School of Law
- 1995

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Municipal
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mediation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Municipal Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Land Use
- 2026

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